Hobart Travel Forum

I am thinking of visiting Hobart, Tasmania, and have only 2 nights. Arrive 10:00 am on a Monday, and depart at 8 am two nights later on a Wednesday. I read that Tasmania is great to visit, but to be honest, I am not sure what to see and do. I am looking for a suggested itinerary, or what to do, where to go logistically, given the short time frame as as described above. Will be traveling in November. I look forward to your help. Thank you.

Hello and thank you for your reply. Actually, I do plan to rent a car. Sorry I didn't mention that. Thanks for your help.

Agree with previous poster about Port Arthur - it is well-worth a visit. The other day just explore the city (its small) and include the botanical gardens and battery point.

Another suggestion is the historic town of Richmond.

I'm sure there are coach companies that offer trips to all the above and if there is one that does both Richmond and Port Arthur in one day, that's the one I'd take.

It is a very beautiful yet small city and a pity that more "mainlanders" don't get there.

Sorry, should have added Mount Wellington for stunning views of the city and suburbs. Warning - even in November it can snow on that mountain and it gets VERY cold.

Thanks for the information. Looks like I definately need to visit Port Arthur. Given my short stay "Arrive 10:00 am on a Monday, and depart at 8 am two nights later on a Wednesday", and having a rental car, how would you suggest I fit all this in. I am not familiar with the distances, travel time, etc, and would appreciate how I can logistically fit it all in. I am one of those people who like to see and do it all, and even though my stay is short, I don't mind cramming in as much as possible, it's just the way I typically travel. Thanks.

If you like to cram in as much as possible, as soon as you arrive on the Monday drive straight to Port Arthur, you could easily spend a whole day there exploring, on the way back to Hobart, drive up to Mt Wellington, (depending on weather conditions), or drive up Mt Wellington early Tuesday morning, on Tuesday you could either go to Richmond or drive further north and go to Ross, a lovely little town, very historical, or drive south to Kettering and catch the ferry (you can take your car) to Bruny Island and spend the day on the Island, enjoy your stay.

I too recommend Port Arthur. The historic Penal Colony was eerily interesting. If you did this for a 1/2 day and would like to see a beautiful site, Freycinet Wine Glass Bay is a 200 km drive to the north beside Coles Bay. (a couple of hours drive) http://www.freycinetcolesbay.com/

You are certainly doing the right thing by giving at least a little time to Taz. It is certainly a beautiful island. I was fortunate enough to spend 2 weeks traveling on the island via Tasmanian Redline Coaches http://www.redlinecoaches.com.au/ and would have many other recommendations for you if your schedule was not so tight.